North West congratulates Maggie MacDonnell – recipient of the 2017 Global Teacher Prize

Press Release

Winnipeg, MB, March 21, 2017 – The North West Company and the Healthy Horizons Foundation are pleased to extend congratulations to Maggie MacDonnell for winning the prestigious 2017 Global Teacher Prize. The Global Teacher Prize is presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession. The winner is selected annually from 20,000 nominations and applications from 179 countries by a panel which includes public officials, academics, journalists, entrepreneurs, scientists and entertainment industry figures.

The prize serves to underline the importance of educators and the fact that, throughout the world, their efforts deserve to be recognized and celebrated. It seeks to acknowledge the impacts of the very best teachers – not only on their students but on the communities around them. Maggie has been instrumental to the creation and success of the Salluit Running Club, which has been a great supporter of the Healthy Horizons Foundation.

In 2016, nine members of the Salluit Run Club members, including Maggie, said “Aloha” to staying active and raising money for community programs in northern Canada. Together the team raised an outstanding $32,000 to support youth programming in the North and challenged themselves in the Big Island marathon in Hilo, Hawaii.

The commitment that the youth demonstrated to their training and to living a healthy lifestyle made a tremendous, positive impact on the community. When the team returned from Hawaii they toured surrounding villages, sharing their experiences, spreading hope and inspiring youth to start their own run clubs.

“Maggie’s leadership and dedication to her students, the community and to the North is truly inspiring. On behalf of North West, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations for this spectacular recognition. It is truly well deserved!” said Christine Reimer, Vice President, The North West Company.

About The North West Company

North West is a retailer serving rural communities and urban neighbourhoods in Canada, Alaska, the South Pacific and Caribbean. We are committed to helping our customers live better by bringing them the best products and services together with a tradition of community support. North West’s Northern and NorthMart stores are the largest local private employer of Indigenous people in Canada, with over 3,100 employees and an annual payroll exceeding $65 million. www.northwest.ca

About Healthy Horizons

Founded by The North West Company, Healthy Horizons is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of youth in northern communities. Our mission is to provide youth within the communities that we serve with the knowledge and tools to foster a lifelong connection to physical activity and healthy living.

www.healthyhorizonsfoundation.ca | Hilo Hawaii Marathon | Rankin Inlet, NU Grant

30 –

For more information contact:

Derek Reimer
Director, Business Development
P: 204.934.1469 | E: dreimer@northwest.ca

IBF4